New scanner to help diagnose osteoporosis

People who are at greater risk of breaking bones because of osteoporosis can now benefit from better diagnosis thanks to the introduction of a new specialist scanner at Salisbury District Hospital.

The new scanner tests bone density and strength by measuring the level of energy that passes through the skeleton and comparing the results with an average person of the same age and sex.

Richard Smith, Consultant Rheumatologist, said: “Bone is made up of a hard outer shell with an inner framework and it is this that becomes thin and fragile in people that develop osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes over 200,000 fractures in the UK each year, and can be caused by a number of conditions such as early menopause, anorexia or prolonged immobility."

“However, osteoporosis can be prevented, if detected and treated before any fracture occurs or even shortly after the first break. There are effective treatments that reduce the risk for additional fractures.”

The new initiative means that patients will now be able to have bone densitometry services locally. The service will run five mornings a week and will take referrals from GPs and clinical teams in hospital. Ends